Looks like I accepted $200,000 bribe: mayor

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Former Strathfield mayor Alfred Tsang today admitted it appeared
on a video that he accepted a deal that would result in him
getting a $200,000 bribe.

Audio and visual evidence screened at the Independent Commission
Against Corruption inquiry showed Mr Tsang stuffing a wad of cash
into his shirt pocket while at lunch with property developer
Michael Saklaoui.

Mr Tsang then agreed to accept a further $200,000 if Mr Saklaoui
was successful in obtaining approval for a development involving a
Strathfield Council carpark and surrounding properties in South
Strathfield.

The ICAC is investigating corruption allegations against Mr
Tsang, who stood down from the position in December.

In the audio tape played at today's public hearing, Mr Saklaoui
asked Mr Tsang: ``Where do you want the money, here or
overseas?''

Mr Tsang replied: ``I will let you know.''

Counsel assisting the commission, Michael King, SC, later asked Mr
Tsang: ``Do you agree that it appears from the recording that you
accepted that you would obtain $200,000 from Mr Saklaoui on the
success of the carpark project?''

Mr Tsang replied: ``Yes, it does appear to be like that.''

Earlier today, the inquiry was told Mr Tsang was the target of a
``sinister and cynical'' plot to have his position snatched from
him.

In his opening address to the ICAC, Mr King said Mr Saklaoui was
involved in a larger plan to bring down Mr Tsang.

``Very shortly after June 8, 2004, Mr Saklaoui commenced his own
private covert operation to record himself paying a bribe to Mayor
Tsang and discussing payment of a further $200,000 on the
successful outcome of a proposed council carpark project,'' Mr King
said.

He said Mr Saklaoui had used the services of an off-duty NSW
police officer to help him record the event.

Mr King said former mayor John Abi-Saab secretly knew about the
video footage and had used it to convince Mr Tsang to step aside to
gain the position for himself.